Bore sighting a red dot sight is a quick and easy method for getting your optic roughly zeroed before heading to the range for fine-tuning. However, the accuracy of bore sighting alone is often misunderstood. While it's a valuable first step, it's not a substitute for proper zeroing at the range. Let's delve into the details.
What is Bore Sighting?
Bore sighting involves aligning your red dot sight with the barrel's bore, essentially making sure the dot is pointing in the same direction as the bullet will travel when fired. This is typically done using a bore sighting tool, which is inserted into the barrel and allows for visual alignment with the red dot.
Accuracy Limitations of Bore Sighting
The accuracy achieved through bore sighting is inherently limited by several factors:
- Tool Precision: The bore sighting tool itself may not be perfectly aligned. Slight manufacturing imperfections or wear can introduce errors.
- Sight Mounting: Even slight misalignment during the mounting of the red dot on the firearm can significantly impact accuracy. A poorly mounted sight will render even the most precise bore sighting useless.
- Sight Parallax: Parallax error, caused by the eye not being perfectly aligned with the red dot, can lead to discrepancies between the point of aim and point of impact. This is especially true at longer ranges.
- Environmental Factors: Temperature fluctuations and even the position of the firearm during bore sighting can subtly affect the alignment.
In short: Bore sighting provides a rough zero, typically within a few inches at 25 yards. It's not precise enough for long-range shooting or situations requiring pinpoint accuracy.
Why Bore Sighting is Still Useful
Despite its limitations, bore sighting remains a valuable practice for several reasons:
- Time Savings: It drastically reduces the time spent on the range to achieve a usable zero. Instead of starting with the dot wildly off-target, bore sighting gets you on the paper quickly.
- Range Safety: By getting the rounds somewhat on target, it reduces the risk of errant shots and improves overall range safety.
- Initial Alignment: It provides a good starting point, ensuring the optic is pointing in the general direction of the target before commencing the precise zeroing process.
Achieving Accurate Zeroing: The Importance of Range Time
The only way to achieve a truly accurate zero is through proper zeroing at the range. This involves firing multiple shots at varying distances, adjusting the sight's windage and elevation turrets until consistent impacts are achieved at the desired point of aim.
Steps to Proper Zeroing:
- Safe Handling: Always prioritize safe firearm handling practices.
- Stable Rest: Utilize a stable shooting rest or bench rest for consistent shot placement.
- Consistent Technique: Maintain a consistent shooting technique throughout the zeroing process.
- Incremental Adjustments: Make small, incremental adjustments to the windage and elevation turrets after each group of shots.
- Multiple Distances: Zero at multiple ranges (e.g., 25 yards and 100 yards) for optimal accuracy across different distances.
Conclusion
While bore sighting offers a convenient starting point for red dot sight alignment, it's crucial to understand its limitations. It's a useful tool for getting your optic roughly on target, but proper zeroing at the range is essential for achieving accurate shot placement. Don't rely solely on bore sighting for accurate shooting; it should be considered a preliminary step before the meticulous process of fine-tuning your zero on the range.
